Greggs retailers commit to 100% Fairtrade chocolate product ranges

UK on-the-go retailer Greggs has confirmed plans to ensure it uses 100% Fairtrade chocolate across its supply chain and in chocolate ranges across its stores, reports Neill Barston.

As the company noted, the move will follow its policy adopted for coffee and fruit, which are entirely Fairtrade accredited suppliers, in addition to many other of its product areas.

Greggs chocolate products include Milk Chocolate Cookies, Caramel Shortbread and Chocolate Brownies, to name a few, and it believes supporting the ethical organisation’s schemes will drive notable change.

As the company notes, Fairtrade cocoa is significant for farmers in delivering a number of benefits including improved household income through guaranteed minimum pricing and additional premium payments. The organisation’s initiatives also help farming communities to adapt to climate change through technical advice from experts on the ground and environmentally friendly standards.

In addition, its schemes also promote women’s empowerment, promoting standards call for equal opportunities for women to participate, investments in women-focused projects, and programmes that train them to be leaders and entrepreneurs.

Consequently, Greggs’ commitment to sourcing 100% of its chocolate entirely from Fairtrade accredited suppliers forms part of the company’s sustainability plan, the ‘Greggs Pledge’, supporting its commitment to sourcing sustainably and having a robust Responsible Sourcing Strategy in place by 2025.

The company launched a pledge last year, setting out its ten commitments to help make the world a better place by 2025. These commitments are aligned with the ambitions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Malcolm Copland, Commercial Director, said: “As a responsible business, we believe in doing the right thing and are incredibly proud to be a longstanding partner of Fairtrade. We are proud to have continued to increase our Fairtrade commitments over time, which include coffee beans, apple juice, orange juice, sugar sticks, sugar syrup, hot chocolate, black tea, mint tea, green tea, bananas and now chocolate.

“It has been incredible to see the positive impact and difference we can make to producer communities. We look forward to building on this success further and doing our bit to help change the lives of the thousands of people involved.”

Michael Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation said: “It’s fantastic to see Greggs building on their already impressive Fairtrade portfolio by converting their chocolate couverture. “The move offers customers more options to do the right thing by farmers. Through choosing Fairtrade chocolate, cocoa producers can improve their household income, access training to adapt to climate change and participate in programmes that train women to be leaders and entrepreneurs.

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